Richardson, TX Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- Governed By Texas
- Governed by Texas H&S Code Chapter 437 (state preemption)
- 50000 Annual Gross
- $50,000 annual gross sales cap applies
- Food Handler Certification
- Food handler certification required
- All Products Must
- All products must carry the state-mandated disclosure label
- No Richardson Local
- No Richardson local cottage food permit required
Summary
Texas cottage food law allows home production of non-hazardous foods without local permits, but annual sales cannot exceed $50,000.
Sec. 437.0192. REGULATION OF COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATIONS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES PROHIBITED; COMPLAINTS. (a) A local government authority, including a local health department, may not:(1) regulate the production of food at a cottage food production operation; or(2) require a cottage food production operation to obtain any type of license or permit or pay any fee to produce or sell directly to a consumer or cottage food vendor, or to provide samples directly to a consumer, a food other than a food described by Sections 437.001(2-b)(A)(i)-(vi).(b) Each local health department and the department shall maintain a record of a complaint made by a person against a cottage food production operation.(c) A local government autho
Full Breakdown
Under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 437, Richardson residents may produce certain non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens without obtaining a local permit or health inspection. Allowed foods include baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried herbs, roasted coffee, dehydrated produce, popcorn, and certain pickled goods. Cottage food operators must complete a state-approved food handler course, label all products with their name, address, and the statement 'This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department,' and keep annual gross sales under $50,000. Richardson does not add additional local licensing for cottage food, but operators still must comply with home occupation zoning rules that prohibit signage, customer traffic, and exterior changes to the residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell cottage foods online in Richardson?
Do I need a Richardson business license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
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Cottage Food Operations in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle cottage food operations.